How does poverty impact child neglect?

Poverty significantly impacts child neglect as it creates a situation where families often struggle to meet their basic needs, such as food, housing, healthcare, and education. When parents or guardians are financially strained, they may be unable to provide sufficient supervision, emotional support, or physical care for their children. This gap can lead to neglect, as parents may prioritize immediate survival needs over meeting the comprehensive needs of their children.

Factors such as chronic stress from financial insecurity, lack of access to resources, and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness in low-income situations can exacerbate these challenges, making it difficult for caregivers to engage in nurturing and supportive parenting. Therefore, understanding the relationship between poverty and neglect is crucial for anyone involved in child welfare, as addressing economic hardships can be a significant step toward preventing child neglect.